Chicago Bears: 3 Best picks to make at No. 20 in 2021 NFL Draft
Scouting Report. Offensive Lineman. Oklahoma State. Teven Jenkins. player. Pick Analysis. . 856
The most popular thing to critique the Chicago Bears on is the offensive line. They’ve had trouble over the past several seasons. Last season was the same, due to injuries and COVID. However, the coaching staff found a good combination later in the season and that line jelled enough to play well against playoff teams like the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
What really worked for the Bears’ offensive line was on the interior. Cody Whitehair, Sam Mustipher, and Alex Bars did a great job. Remember, James Daniels was the best lineman on the roster before he tore his pectoral muscle and missed most of the season. He returns so Bars likely adds depth.
The problem now on the line is their tackle spots. Bobby Massie at right tackle was decent but he’s battled injuries the last two seasons. Because of that, the Bears cut him and decided to stay with Germain Ifedi, who did a good job when he replaced Massie.
On the left side, Charles Leno was a turnstile as a pass blocker and again had trouble committing penalties. It was surprising that he returned as the Bears could save $9 million in salary cap space if they part ways with him. If the Bears find a starting left tackle in this draft, though, they can then part ways with Leno and save that money.
Tevin Jenkins is an exciting target for the Bears. At 6-foot-6 and weighing about 320 pounds, he’s the type of lineman who wants to bury his opponent. This is something the Bears’ offensive line missed since Kyle Long left. He was the nasty lineman who gave life to the line.
Jenkins gives the Bears the nasty, mean lineman they need. He’ll be a good leader on the line and brings excitement. He has a broad chest and thick lower half. He adds a good hand punch to knock defenders off balance.
In addition, it is incredible to see how much body control and athleticism he has for a man his size. Once he locks on his man, though, it’s over. He’ll blow the man away. He’ll not only be Andy Dalton’s best friend as his protector, but he’ll also be running back David Montgomery’s friend as well with the holes he’ll blow open.
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The Bears haven’t picked a tackle above the fifth round since 2011. For most teams, drafting an offensive lineman in the first round doesn’t elicit excitement. If Chicago drafts Jenkins, Bears fans would be ecstatic.